Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

Lakeland Trails is committed to ensuring all of our events are inclusive,  supportive,  welcoming and equally accessible to everyone, irrespective of their age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, disability or socio-economic status and speed.  We are guided by the Equality Act (2010) and the protected characteristics therein.

For our shorter events, we achieve an equal gender split and female participation in our longer events is higher than average (currently 40% for the full marathon and 35% for our Ultra 55k).  This strategy looks to remove barriers to participation.

Contest Timings

Race days are staggered to allow two people to run in separate events whilst looking after children (who can be kept entertained by Fun Trails with Zeraffa the Giraffe).

Start Lines

Where practicable (due to road-closure logistics), an early start option is offered.  This option offers a less-crowded start line and additional time to complete the course.

Course Time Limits

All events have generous cut-off times, meaning they can be completed at a fast walking pace.   There is usually a ‘Challenge’ option at events which allows competitors an additional hour to finish.  There is no time-limit for the Sport Trail 5k, held at select events.

Podiums and Prizes

Prizes are equal for both males and females with separate podium presentations.

Results

All of our live results are sortable by a range of categories and separate male and female rankings are displayed.

Race t-shirts and merchandise

All race t-shirts and merchandise, where appropriate (e.g. not hoodies, where a looser size is usually preferred), will be offered in specific-female and sizing.

Pregnancy and IVF

Our deferral policy is already flexible than most events, allowing swaps to shorter  distances on the event day itself; and deferrals are possible up to 4 weeks before the event date.

Whilst medical evidence supports the continuation of running during pregnancy, we understand that other factors come into play.

Females who become pregnant, or commence IVF, between entering and race day are able to defer their entry to the following year.  This can be managed via the ‘My Account’ section of the website within the usual timeframes. 

After this time, a request can be made via the ‘Contact Us’ page, including written confirmation of eligibility, for example, a Maternity Certificate (MAT B1); written confirmation signed by a medical professional.

Deferrals can be made to any event within the next year (which can subsequently be deferred within our regular Terms and Conditions).

Breast Feeding

Breast Feeding can be accommodated at our regular events, where a suitable private space will be identified by asking in the marquee.

For longer events with checkpoints, a space can be made available if requested in advance via our Contact Us page so that a space can be allocated in advance.

No additional support can be provided by our event crew.

Toilet Provision

A selection of sanitary products are available in the marquee at all events; and at checkpoints where toilet facilities are available.

Transgender and Non-Binary Runners

Transgender runners are able to enter events under the gender to which they identify.   However, in line with recent rulings, they will not be eligible for overall or category prizes.

Runners can select a separate non-binary gender category when they register on our entry system.

Younger Runners

With ever-increasing costs, both for families and our events, preferential pricing for all races (subject to eligibility) for Under 18 and Under 25 year old runners to encourage and support participation.

Low Income

We do not want financial circumstances to prevent participation in our events.  We offer volunteering opportunities at each of our events and they can be redeemed individually for shorter events, or accrued to cover the full cost of the longer events (4 volunteer days = one Ultra 100k entry)

Conclusion

Lakeland Trails will continue to look for ways to remove barriers to entry and to allow everyone to benefit from participation in our events.  We welcome any suggestions to further do this.